| EARTH
MATERIALS MODULE MATRIX |
 |
INTERDISCIPLINARY
EXTENSIONS |
FOSS
SCIENCE STORIES |
TECHNOLOGY/HOME
CONNECTION |
|
1. |
MOCK
ROCKS |
|
Language
Extension
• Make rules for starting a class rock collection.
Math Extensions
• Problem of the week.
• Find ranges of measurements.
• Weigh mock rocks.
Science Extensions
• Describe properties of rocks.
• Make a class rock collection.
• Contact USGS for information.
• Invite a geologist to class. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Written in Stone
• Postcards from the Ledge |
www.fossweb.com
Check the FOSS website for interactive simulations, to write
questions to a scientist, for teaching tips, and to talk with
other classes using FOSS.
Home/School Connection: Students are asked to find some rocks
and write descriptive riddles with other members of the family.
|
|
2. |
SCRATCH
TEST |
|
Language
Extension
• Research Mohs’ scale.
Math Extensions
• Problem of the week.
• Make a class bar graph of birthstones.
• Seriate rocks.
Science Extension
• Use a tumbler to polish rocks. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Treasure Underfoot
• X Marks the Spot
• Digging It Up: Mining for Minerals
• Birthstones: A Mineral for Each Month |
Home/School
Connection: Students share birthstone information with their
family. They include the data they collect on a class bar graph. |
|
3. |
CALCITE
QUEST |
|
Language
Extensions
• Write legends about rocks.
• Research questions on rocks and landforms.
• List idioms and metaphors.
Math Extensions
• Problem of the week.
• Group rock logic problems.
Science Extensions
• Reseach uses of Portland cement.
• Find out how limestone is used in farming. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Rock Tales
• Old Man and the Rock: A Native American Tale
• The Two Boys: An Aborigine Story from Australia |
Home/School
Connection: At home, students use vinegar to test rocks for
calcite. |
|
4. |
TAKE
IT FOR GRANITE |
|
Language Extensions
• Play word games using earth materials vocabulary.
• Research use of stones as tools.
Math Extension
• Problem of the week.
Art Extensions
• Research use of earth materials for decoration.
• Practice bon-seki, Japanese rock art. |
See the
Science Stories folio.
• Rock of Ages
• To Prepare for an Afterlife: The Great Pyramid and
other stories about monuments |
Home/School Connection: Students go on a scavenger hunt at
home. They list many everyday items they find that are made
from earth materials.
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page 3
of 4 |
